California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Coltin Barody, 26, of Lake Elsinore, was arrested last week on multiple felony counts of insurance fraud by the San Diego Urban Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force after he allegedly conspired to defraud Progressive Insurance Company out of $13,000. He is being arraigned on Tuesday, April 14 at the San Diego Superior Court, Central Division, County Courthouse in Department 12.

Barody allegedly coached his nephew, Jacob Holloway, 20, also of San Diego, on how to submit a fraudulent claim, after Holloway's motorcycle was stolen from his apartment complex. According to investigators, Holloway had a loan on the motorcycle but only carried liability insurance, which meant he had no insurance claim and was still responsible for the remainder of the loan.

Barody was the alleged mastermind behind a plan to increase coverage on the motorcycle, after the theft occurred and then fabricated the timeline and location of the theft to make sure Holloway could collect on the loss. Holloway and his wife, Melinda Minshall, 21, of San Diego, went along with the scheme by lying to Progressive representatives and received $13,000 not owed to them. During the investigation, text messages revealed the theft occurred before Holloway increased coverage and filed the claim.

"This case serves as a reminder that fraud is a costly crime for insurers and consumers," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "These crimes are an expensive drain on the state's economy totaling billions annually. The cost of these scams is passed along to consumers through higher rates and premiums."

For his role in corroborating his nephew's story, Barody was charged with insurance fraud and faces up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted. Holloway and Minshall are also being charged with insurance fraud and were issued notices to appear in court.

Barody was booked into San Diego Central Jail and his bail is set at $25,000. The San Diego District Attorney's Office is prosecuting this case.

Media Notes:

The potential loss to the insurance company was estimated at approximately $15,500, which doesn't include the investigative cost associated with these fraudulent investigations.

The California Department of Insurance, established in 1868, is the largest consumer protection agency in California. Insurers collect $310 billion in premiums annually in California. Since 2011 the California Department of Insurance received more than 1,000,000 calls from consumers and helped recover over $469 million in claims and premiums. Please visit the Department of Insurance website at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.4357. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.